Google

Chaos on the Roads: Waymo Traffic Jams in Frozen San Francisco during Power Outage

Published

3 months ago

December 21, 2025

Frozen Waymos backed up San Francisco traffic during a widespread power outage

San Francisco Power Outage Causes Waymo Vehicles to Stall

Over the weekend, a power outage in San Francisco left approximately 130,000 customers without electricity, leading to a unique problem for autonomous vehicle company Waymo. Social media was flooded with images of Waymo’s self-driving SUVs stranded on the streets, causing traffic disruptions.

Tesla Vehicles Unaffected by Power Outage

In contrast, Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology were able to navigate the affected streets without issue. CEO Elon Musk even tweeted that “Tesla Robotaxis were unaffected by the SF power outage,” showcasing the resilience of Tesla’s autonomous features.

Waymo Responds to Power Outage

In a statement to The Verge, Waymo spokesperson Suzanne Philion explained that the company had temporarily suspended its ride-hailing services in light of the widespread power outage. The focus was on ensuring rider safety and allowing emergency personnel access to affected areas for necessary work.

Technical Challenges Faced by Waymo Vehicles

The reasons behind the immobilized Waymo vehicles remain unclear, with speculation pointing to issues with wireless data connections. The lack of functioning cell towers and street lights due to the power outage may have hindered the vehicles’ ability to operate effectively.

Previous Incidents and Remote Assistance Program

Similar incidents have occurred in the past, as documented in TikTok videos showcasing Waymo vehicles encountering obstacles during power outages. Waymo’s remote assistance program involves the vehicle seeking guidance from a human response agent in complex situations, utilizing live camera feeds and sensor data for decision-making.

Waymo’s Commitment to Safety and Innovation

Despite challenges posed by external factors like power outages, Waymo continues to prioritize safety and efficiency in its autonomous vehicle operations. The company recently passed a rigorous audit of its remote assistance program, demonstrating its adherence to industry best practices.